Geotechnical Engineer (Civil & Retaining Structures)

Job Purpose

Geotechnical Engineer (Civil & Retaining Structures) will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in the development, unification, and implementation of national geotechnical standards. This role focuses on ensuring that earthworks, foundations, and retaining structures are designed with consistent safety factors, material specifications, and environmental considerations across all regional terrains.

Key Responsibilities/Deliverables:

• Author and review technical chapters related to soil mechanics, slope stability, and retaining wall systems (gravity, cantilever, and embedded).
• Develop or refine criteria for retaining structures, embankments, and soil-structure interaction to be integrated into national standardization frameworks.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including structural, civil, and materials engineers, to ensure geotechnical requirements are integrated into broader standardization efforts.
• Engage with industry stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and technical committees to gather input, validate assumptions, and drive consensus on technical standards.
• Assess geotechnical risks and propose mitigation strategies that can be standardized across regions and project types.
• Harmonize local practices with international codes (e.g., Eurocodes, ASTM, AASHTO) while adapting them to the Kingdom’s unique geological conditions (e.g., sabkha soils, karst features).
• Establish unified safety factors for Bearing Capacity, Settlement, and Seismic Loading.
• Define standardized design procedures for modern retaining solutions, including Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE), Gabions, and Sheet Piling.
• Set national requirements for sub-surface drainage and corrosion protection in aggressive soil environments.
• Work with Structural and Transportation teams to ensure geotechnical standards integrate seamlessly with bridge, tunnel, and highway specifications.
• Participate in training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to promote standard adoption and build capability among practitioners.

Impact and Alignment with the National Technical Standardization Project:

In this role, the Geotechnical Engineer will

• Provide the technical foundation for consistent engineering practices across the Kingdom.
• Elevate the quality and safety of civil and geotechnical works by ensuring standards reflect both local conditions and international excellence.
• Enable smoother project delivery by providing clear, implementable guidelines for geotechnical assessment, design, and construction practices.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum of Ten (10) years of geotechnical design, specifically for large-scale infrastructure or retaining systems.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Civil Engineering (Specialization in Geotechnical/Soil Mechanics preferred).
• Proven experience in design and review of geotechnical solutions for civil infrastructure, including deep/shallow foundations, retaining walls, earthworks, and slope stabilization.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software tools such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, Rocscience suite, and drafting/CAD software.
• Familiarity with local and international codes and standards relevant to geotechnical engineering and retaining structures.
• Excellent analytical, technical writing, and communication skills to articulate complex concepts and influence standardization outcomes.

Core Competencies:

• Deep understanding of soil mechanics, ground behavior, and structural interactions.
• Standards & Compliance: Ability to interpret, compare, and integrate multiple engineering codes and best practices into unified national standards.
• Strong capability to identify root technical issues and develop systematic, replicable solutions.
• Effective at cross-functional communication and consensus building with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work within large, complex projects such as national standardization initiatives, contributing to both technical deliverables and strategic objectives.

What We Offer:

• A chance to work on landmark projects in Saudi Arabia.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• An engaged and supportive team that are passionate about encouraging each other to succeed.
• Work for a company who values their employees and recognizes their contribution.

We understand that to accomplish our goals, we must work as a team and rely on the efforts of every team member. We want team members to start their day with a sense of purpose and end it with a sense of accomplishment.

To Apply:

If you believe you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to fulfil this role, please submit your application online by clicking ‘Apply’.

Riyadh-based candidates preferred, but relocation support is available for the right talent.

DAR Engineering is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, age, marital status, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What’s Next?

Once your application has been submitted and reviewed, our Talent Acquisition team will contact shortlisted candidates.

Our selection process typically comprises two interview stages per vacancy, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation while providing candidates with the opportunity to engage with two members of the hiring team at each stage. The initial interview is generally conducted virtually, while the final stage often takes place in person at the office, aligning with the role’s location.

That said, we prioritize flexibility, tailoring our approach to accommodate the specific needs of both the position and the candidate.

Thank you for considering a career with us. We encourage you to regularly check for updates and explore future opportunities with DAR Engineering. Best of luck!